Friday, August 04, 2017 1:00 am

Letters

Obamacare repeal efforts ignore some basic realities

The many attempts to change/eliminate the Affordable Care Act have failed – miserably. To be brutal but honest, the Republican executive and legislature appear to be bumbling fools. All share equal responsibility.

I did not think it possible, but this bumbling has made Obamacare popular to a significant majority (55 percent) of the electorate. Note that this does not include those who would replace the ACA with Medicare for all or those who think HIP 2.0 (Indiana) and KYNect (Kentucky) aren't part of the ACA.

This all-time high approval is especially significant when compared to the 17 percent approval rating for the House's replacement: the American Health Care Act, which Rep. Jim Banks supported.

There are many reasons, but to me, the two main causes are:

1. Reducing Medicare/Medicaid services/coverage, especially to women, is a non-starter.

2. Deliberately choosing to not work with Democrats to craft a bill that actually does something about the many problems associated with the Affordable Care Act.

Please get past ideology and consider reality. The American people want affordable and comprehensive medical care. None of the magic or doublespeak where less care at higher prices is “the new affordable and comprehensive.”

Banks should go buy a clothespin, stick it on his nose and do what he was elected to do. Work with the Devil Democrats and make the necessary improvements to the ACA.

Now the threat: Failure to fix the ACA is certain to result in universal medical care. In May 2016 – well prior to this latest Republican fiasco – a Gallup Poll determined that 58 percent of Americans supported “... replacing the ACA with a federally funded health care program providing insurance for all Americans.”

Gerald H. Fisher

Bluffton

Trump's lies laid bare

Charles Baudelaire said, “The finest trick of the devil is to persuade you that he does not exist.”

Donald Trump performed the devil's second-finest trick to convince you that he does exist but that “I'm not him, I'm just like you.”

For months of campaigning, he defined who the devil is. He is your enemy; “the others”; those not like us; the ones who cause all of your pain and sorrow. All is evil ... very, very evil. Blame them, hate them.

I can put out the fires of hell, he said. “I can drain the swamp.”

Now his loyal supporters take refuge in those lies and they still remain in pain. Sad.

Don Kruse

Fort Wayne

Wreaths Across America pays tribute to veterans

Our deceased veterans gave their lives for each and every American. Many veterans are still giving their lives due to diseases or injuries they received in the military. We need to honor not only those veterans still with us but also those who have passed.

Each year, over the Christmas holiday, wreaths are placed on the graves of veterans at national cemeteries. These are not paid for by the government but by citizens who care enough to donate their time and money. Indiana has one active national cemetery, located in Marion. Last year, we had 2,800 wreaths to place on graves. There are 12,000 graves at Marion. The purchase of the wreath is $15; however, we are able to purchase three wreaths for $30. Every penny donated goes to the purchase of wreaths.

At noon on Aug. 19, people are meeting at the Marion National Cemetery to donate money for the purchase of wreaths. Numerous people will be riding motorcycles, while some will be driving their cars. Everyone is encouraged to attend. Various American Legion riders are leaving from Auburn, Butler, Leo-Cedarville, Kendallville, Orland and other posts from around the state for the “Hugh Taylor Memorial Ride for Wreaths.”

At noon on Dec. 16, the wreaths will be placed on the graves following a ceremony, a true tribute to our deceased veterans. Each person in attendance will be encouraged to assist in laying the wreaths. If individuals have loved ones buried at the Marion National Cemetery, they may place a wreath on that particular grave.

All people are encouraged to attend on Aug. 19 as an honor to our veterans and in recognition of Indiana's part in the national cemetery system. Please attend. If you are unable, please donate as much as you are able. Donations may be sent to Gayle Armes, Armes-Hunt Funeral Home, 415 S. Main St., Fairmount, Indiana 46928. You are encouraged to visit the website at www.wreathsacrossamerica.org. If you contribute through the website, please specify Marion, Indiana, as the cemetery of choice. Your participation and donations are greatly appreciated.